English press reports have revealed new developments in the future of Saudi international star Saud Abdulhamid, the right-back for Al-Hilal, confirming that a new club from the English Premier League has entered the race to sign him during the upcoming summer transfer window, which will ignite competition with Newcastle United, who had shown early interest in the player.
According to the English website “onefootball”, Everton have placed Saud Abdulhamid on their list of targets to strengthen their right-back position for the new season. The report indicated that Everton officials are closely monitoring the player, impressed by his defensive and offensive capabilities and his consistent performances with his club and the Saudi national team.
Background of interest and context of competition
Everton's interest adds a new dimension to the race, in which Newcastle United had previously seemed the most likely destination for the player. Reliable journalist Graeme Bailey had earlier reported on TeamTalk that the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), owners of Newcastle United, had recommended Abdulhamid to the club's management. Bailey clarified that the recommendation wasn't intended as pressure, but rather as an ideal solution to the team's pressing need for a new right-back, especially given the player's availability and the fact that his talent had already caught the eye of the club's scouts.
Saud Abdulhamid, 24, is considered one of the most prominent talents in Saudi and Asian football. He began his career at Al-Ittihad's academy before moving to their arch-rivals Al-Hilal in a highly controversial transfer in early 2022. Since joining Al-Hilal, his level has improved significantly, and he has become a key player in the team's lineup, contributing to numerous domestic and continental titles, most notably the AFC Champions League.
The importance of the deal and its expected impact
Saud Abdulhamid's move to the English Premier League, whether to Newcastle or Everton, would be a landmark in the history of Saudi players. It would serve as international recognition of the quality of talent produced by the Saudi Professional League, especially in light of the ambitious sports project the Kingdom is undertaking as part of Vision 2030. Domestically, his departure would represent a significant technical loss for Al-Hilal, but it would also open doors for other players to seize opportunities and enhance the reputation of Saudi clubs as environments capable of developing world-class players.
Internationally, this deal will further highlight Saudi football and encourage European clubs to closely monitor Saudi talent. It will also inspire younger generations of players in the Kingdom, proving to them that the dream of playing in the world's strongest leagues is achievable. For the player himself, the move to the Premier League is an unmissable opportunity to test his abilities at the highest level and develop his career like never before.
